A Slice of range V o l u m e
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The perks of pill popping HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS HAVE BEEN USED FOR DECADES TO PREVENT DISEASES, AND MUCH OF THESE HAVE BEEN UNDER MUCH SCRUTINY BY THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY. BUT AS IT TURNS OUT, SOME SUPPLEMENTS MAY HELP—OR EVEN WORK BETTER—WHEN YOU ARE ALREADY SICK.
“No approved therapeutic claims”. This is a statement you would see in many health supplements, and a statement you should take heed because many health supplements out there claim to be “cure-alls” when in fact they are “cure-nones”. Many health supplements do not have any substantial scientific data backing them.
A Slice of Orange is a newsletter designed to help clarify basic health information and offer juicy tips on uplifting your health.
Editorial team Alvin Delfin Christine Llenes-Delfin Ivan Olegario, MD
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HOWEVER, THERE ARE SOME HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS THAT CAN REALLY IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AS WELL AS HELP YOU FEEL BETTER FROM AILMENTS. HERE ARE SOME PILLS THAT YOU SHOULD BE POPPING, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE SPECIFIC HEALTH PROBLEMS. The problem: Heart disease
When these smooth surfaces are destroyed
The pill: Omega-3 fatty
by repeated overuse or being overweight,
acid supplements
for example, one develops osteoarthritis.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to protect the heart. Some studies even suggest that it may also improve blood cholesterol and lower blood pressure. We usually get omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish such as salmon. Canola walnuts are
oil,
soybeans, and
flax, algae
a l s o sources of omega-3s, but the kind from fish seems to
be more potent, and may not be substituted by those from vegetable sources. Omega-3 supplements that come from a small shrimp called krill, however, is a good substitute. Most people in the Philippines probably do not get enough omega-3 because, even though Filipinos love seafood, the fish we eat are not fatty. So if you have heart disease, talk to your doctor about omega-3 supplements. If you do not have heart disease though, it is better to save your money for a rainy day.
The problem: Osteoarthritis The pill: Glucosamine and
This disease causes severe pain and poor mobility to the body’s large joints, such as those of the knees and hips. People with osteoarthritis take chondroitin and glucosamine supplements in the hope that it will help repair the joints, or at least slow down the joint destruction. While studies suggest that these supplements may not be able to do these, they can significantly reduce the pain caused by osteoarthritis. This is especially true for those with moder-
The problem: Sniffles The pill: Vitamin C with zinc People all over the world have long been popping ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) tablets for decades to improve their immune system. And in a way, it makes sense, because it is a critical factor during the synthesis of a protein called collagen. Collagen is the backbone of connective tissues, which act as barriers for germs. But surprisingly, studies suggest that vitamin C does not seem to be able to ward of the common cold.
ate to severe pain.
Many health supplements out there claim to be “cure-alls” when in fact they are “cure-nones” For painful knees due to osteoarthritis, take 1,500 mg of glucosamine and 1,200 mg
So does this mean you should stop taking
chondroitin sulphate a day for around four
it? Yes and no. If you are otherwise healthy,
to eight weeks. If your doctor is giving you
you may choose to stop taking it. But the
other treatments, do not stop these treat-
very moment you start feeling that you will
ments and inform your doctor of your plan
get colds (i.e., your throat starts itching, you
to take supplements.
feel a bit feverish, or you begin to get the sniffles), start taking a vitamin C supplement
Lastly, these supplements will not work for
with zinc. You need to take around 1,000
other causes of joint pains, such as gout
mg of vitamin C, taken as one 500-mg
Chondroitin and glucosamine are compo-
and rheumatoid arthritis. You will need a
tablet taken twice daily. This regimen will
nents of the smooth parts of joints that allow
doctor to diagnose the kind of arthritis you
not help prevent colds, but it will make your
bones to glide over each other smoothly.
may be having.
illness milder and shorter.
chondroitin
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Some studies also suggest that vitamin C and zinc may help patients
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Boost your immunity minus the pill
with pneumonia and diarrhea in developing countries like the Philippines. Vitamin C intake should not exceed 2,000 mg per day. Side effects of vitamin C include stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flushing of the face, headache, fatigue and disturbed sleep. In addition, excessive zinc can impair iron absorption, which may lead to anemia.
The problem: Mental fatigue The pill: Ginseng Ginseng is one of the most extensively studied of food supplements. The root of this plant that grows in different parts of East Asia has been touted to have anti-inflammatory and aphrodisiac effects, but these effects have yet to be proven. However, consistent use of ginseng supplements has been shown to help people under mental stress. Ginseng can improve attention span and concentration, as well as promote calmness. Some studies also suggest that it may help patients with lung disease or those at risk of diabetes. While ginseng is generally safe, consult your doctor if you are already taking other medications before taking ginseng. Patients with depression who are taking antidepressants should not take ginseng. Ginseng may cause some side effects, including inability to sleep, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, nose bleeds, blood pressure changes, and breast pain.
So it seems that the vitamin C pill may not be able to help boost your immunity to the stratosphere. Does that mean your body is left at the mercy of today’s superbugs and super viruses? No! And help may not need to cost you a centavo. A study published at The Archives of Internal Medicine showed that people who slept an average of fewer than seven hours a night were three times more likely to get sick when exposed to the cold virus than those who averaged at least eight hours per day in five days. It seems that sleep and immunity are tightly linked. Mammals show a higher level of disease-fighting white blood cells when they sleep well and longer, which eventually leads to better immunity.
ACTIVELINK Benefits Made Better
Looking to enhance your corporate healthcare benefits? E-mail us at benefits@activelink-consult.com. The information in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a doctor for all matters relating to your health, particularly for symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Š 2011 ActiveLink
Benefits Made Better
ActiveLink 7/F Electra House Building 115-117 Esteban St., Legaspi Village, Makati City www.activelink-consult.com
The Orange wants to he ar from you! Dying to ask us your health related questio ns? Itching to share your pe rsonal health tips? Want to sugg est topics for future issues? Feel free to contac t us. You can e-m ail our team at orange@activ elink-consult.c om.